Story: Sophie Campbell, with Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz
Script: Ronda Pattison
Art: Nelson Daniel
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letters: Shawn Lee
Edits: Bobby Curnow
Publishing: IDW Publishing

Six months ago, a mutagen bomb was dropped on New York City, transforming part of the population into mutants. Now, in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106, while the Turtles help their newfound community, many of these new mutants are mysteriously disappearing. Who, or what is taking these people?

I have been a casual fan of the Heroes in a Half-shell for as long as I can remember. The movies, the animated series (several of those in fact), and even the comics. Sophie Campbell and Ronda Pattison have crafted an interesting tale about community while mixing in a bit of mystery. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106 opens with a mutant being taken. You don’t see the creature that took them, but the act sets the tone for the book. The Turtles are no longer those anonymous heroes saving the city from crime waves, evil ninja cabals, and other sorts of calamities. Now they’re visible, providing martial arts classes for children, and just helping their new friends however they can. It seems like a very positive experience despite their unusual circumstances, but you can still see them dealing with very real emotions. The trauma of the mutagen bomb, their life being turned upside down, and the guilt of not being able to keep everyone safe from being kidnapped are all taking a toll on the Turtles.

Nelson Daniel’s art is perfect for this book and great for fans of the newest animated series. What amazes me the most is the ability that Daniel has to differentiate the Turtles without relying on their colored masks. Clothing, the shapes of their eyes and faces, even the muscles all help. Daniel also does a great job drawing a child’s explanation of what happens to the people who went missing. It feels rather dreamlike and boogeyman-esque. Ronda Pattison does a good job on the colors as well, which help build the atmosphere. In subtle ways, they incorporate the Turtles’ signature colors despite not wearing their masks to further identify them.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic. Are they still even teenagers at this point? Regardless, it seems like the Turtles are in a new status quo, helping their community adapt and survive. Unless you’re up to date with the Turtles, I’m afraid you won’t enjoy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #106 very much. Is Baxter Stockman the mayor?